5 Missouri spots to visit: Urban farms, museums, the 'biggest bar in St. Louis' and more

Looking to see Missouri from another angle? Our state regularly sees new hotspots develop — and other destinations expand and upgrade their offerings.

Representatives of the Missouri Division of Tourism recently compiled a list of "new and expanded attractions" within Missouri's borders. Here's a quick look at just five, from natural beauties to keepers of crucial history.

Bryant Creek State Park in Ava

Opened in September, Bryant Creek State Park (about a 3 1/2-hour drive from Columbia) stretches more than 2900 acres and boasts a number of quietly alluring natural features. According to the park's website, the area joins "impressively large oaks and shortleaf pines," "four tributary hollows" which carve "through uncut forest and sandstone outcrops" and Missouri's lone species of native pine.

Bryant Creek features a pair of hiking trails, lovely vistas and will continue to be developed to suit visitors. Learn more about the park at https://mostateparks.com/park/bryant-creek-state-park.

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Finley Farms in Ozark

Located on the grounds of an 1830s mill, Finley Farms (around 3 hours from Columbia) continues expanding its cultural footprint by cultivating an urban farm. Farmers Liesel McCleary and Brendan Sinclair support "on-property restaurants with seasonal produce," according to the venue's website and host a variety of agriculture-related tours and classes.

To give an idea of what's offered, March happenings include a yoga and meditation session; classes on DIY recycled terrariums, pressed flower wall art and Prohibition-era cocktails; as well as how-to sessions on herbal first-aid kits and macrame plant hangers.

Opened and sustained by the family of Bass Pro Shops' Johnny Morris, Finley Farms also includes the aforementioned restaurants, a workshop with a coffeehouse and makerspace and a weekly farmers' market from late spring through early fall.

Check out the full Finley Farms experience at https://finleyfarmsmo.com/.

The Armory in St. Louis

Billed as "the biggest bar" in the Gateway City, the space — which opened in its current iteration in December — claims 250,000 square feet worth of a good time. The Armory hosts bars, gaming, food and a major stage for concerts. Upcoming events this spring include shows by Randy Rogers Band and Lil Jon.

The Armory finds new purpose for an old space; the Market Street venue opened in 1938 to host the 138th Infantry Missouri National Guard Armory. Since then, it's been home to tennis clubs, bowling tournaments and more.